In the first of our week of Bank Holiday features Alex Eckford rounds up ten things you must do when setting off on your journey.

Check the traffic reports
Listen to radio reports or visit the Highways Agency's website for the latest traffic information. It could be the difference between a pleasant weekend away or several frustrating hours on a grid-locked motorway. The website also contains details of long-term roadworks and diversions.

Plan your route
Know where you're going. We've all sat in lay-bys staring blankly at road atlases – half an hour spent planning your route can help avoid this. SatNavs are a modern miracle, but are about as useful as a chocolate rollcage if the batteries run out – charge it up before you set out on a long journey or keep a spare set of batteries. And don’t forget to…

Recharge you own batteries
Tiredness kills – caffeine is an effective way of combating fatigue. But be careful - too much caffeine can lead to an increased heart-rate, anxiety and irritability. The only real way combat tiredness is to stop somewhere and get some rest. It's amazing how much difference a powernap can make to your concentration levels. Take a 15 minute break for every two hours of driving.

Spare tyre and tyre changing kit
Check your tyre changing kit is complete, your spare tyre is present and correct, and all your tyres are properly inflated and don’t have worn treads. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm.

Check your brakes
Check the responsiveness of your brakes before you start your trip - rather than on the road. Make sure they're responsive by tapping them lightly.

Clean your windscreen
Top up your washer fluid, test the windscreen cleaning mechanism, keep a soft cloth in the car, and clean your wiper blades - front and rear.

Look out for pedestrians
With temperatures heating up, more people will be enjoying the outdoor life. The downside is they're more likely to appear in front of your car - keep an eye out for cyclists, children and pedestrians.

Entertainment
A decent supply of CDs, handheld games consoles and travel games will save your passengers from bored chair-kicking moments. If arguments over music cause too much stress, audio books are a great alternative.

Take your documents
Take your driving licence and insurance details wherever you go in your car. If you’re asked to produce them it will save time later on.

Sunglasses / tinted driving glasses
With brighter weather on the way, it's a good idea to keep sunglasses (or prescription driving sunglasses) with you, especially for driving in the early morning and late in the evening, when the sun is likely to be directly in your field of view. It also makes sense to have a spare pair of glasses with you, or at the very least a repair kit.